Managing Human Resources

This essay explores the concepts of hard and soft approaches in human resource management (HRM) and their implications in an organization. It discusses the definition and explanation of these concepts, provides examples of organizations using each approach, and highlights the importance of balancing both approaches for achieving organizational goals. The essay focuses on Arcadia Company, a multinational retailing brand, and its use of hard and soft approaches in HRM.

Managing Human
Resources

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
MAIN BODY ..................................................................................................................................1
Definition and explanation of Hard and Soft concepts of HRM ................................................1
Example of organisation using Hard approach ..........................................................................3
Example of an organisation implying Soft approach .................................................................5
CONCLUSION ...............................................................................................................................7
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................9

INTRODUCTION
Managing human resource is considered as an integral component within an organisation
as it directly link with improving company's overall performance and productivity ratio.
However, human resource management is refer as a strategic approach for managing personnel
with an aim of gaining competitive advantage and accomplishment of business objective in an
effective manner and also in stipulated time period (Balaji, 2014). Moreover, there are two types
of approaches in HRM which empower employee and employee to achieve desired task i.e. hard
and soft. With the implication of such concepts, it lead management to develop a better
relationship between workforce also can enhance company's proficiency ratio. In regard of this
project, Arcadia Company has been considered, it is a multinational retailing brand within UK
industry and it is introduced in the year of 2002. It deliver various division of product like
clothing, accessories, shoes and serves its operation across the globe. Hence, this study is wholly
based in essay format in which it includes hard and soft concepts of HRM and explaining the
same with an implication of appropriate example for obtaining profit maximisation in a better
manner.
MAIN BODY
Definition and explanation of Hard and Soft concepts of HRM
Human resource management is a process or activity of hiring, motivating and
maintaining personnel in order to create a better relationship within organisation working culture
for achieving the desires pre defined goal in an effective way. Moreover, they are connected with
different types of roles and responsibilities such as recruiting, training, developing,
compensation, motivating employees and many more. However, maintenance of healthy
relationship between workforce lead HR to cope up with all sort of current or emerging business
issues in an improved way (Berumen and et,al.,2016). Apart form this, the concept of HRM is
categorised into two types that is hard and soft which is viewed as a source of obtaining
competitive advantage. In terms of hard approach it is a technical knowledge which is obtain
through education centres, training programs, workshops and get expertise in a specified field of
performance. Whereas soft approach is an interpersonal skill which encourage them to create
long lasting relationship with personnel and accomplish pre determined objective in a prescribed

time period. Although these two concepts are different in nature yet it contains a huge role in
enriching the organisation brand value among competitors.
In addition to this, today's business environment are getting more competitive and
challenging which directly impact establishment's potentiality in acquiring sustainable growth
and development. Therefore, combination of both approaches i.e. hard and soft enable superior
to generate positive connectivity of network and also can implement best strategic decision
without any hindrances. Furthermore, the key differences between hard and soft concepts are
how they are acquired and execute at workplace (Bouras and Bendak, 2014). Hence, hard
approach is obtain through education and specific training activities as it involves certain
machine, software, tools and etc. On the contrary, soft skill or concept is more related to
personality traits that may require whole life to develop and get expert in particular attribute.
Some of the element which soft concept includes like time management, effective
communication, conflict resolving, decision making and many more. In relation to Arcadia, it is
one of the well known and reputed organisation among UK retail sector and it serve its business
function all over the globe. Furthermore, it has its own subsidiaries such as Topshop, Topman,
Burton, Evans and so on for which it require personnel who are highly capable, innovative and
skilled for analysing the industry condition and also can impose corrective course of action for
gaining competitive position within marketplace. Therefore, it is identified that hard
and soft concepts is an important element within the premises of organisation as it enable them to
face any kind of threat and also to grab all available opportunities for accomplishing impressive
position. Hence, focussing on both division plays a vital role in an establishment. This is because
for generating healthy relationship and encouraging the workforce soft approach is required and
at the same time for providing solution towards any technical errors then the usage of hard
approach arises (Chaterera, 2016).
Moreover, in relation to Arcadia company, as it takes an initiative to globalised their
business operation across the worldwide, it requires hard and soft approach in a equal manner.
However, in order to imply the same it makes an effort to make use of various tactics or
activities which enable them to enhance the overall performance of organisation. In regard of
hard approach, it render various training and development as well as online courses, workshops,
management activities which assist personnel to acquire deeper understanding of particular field.
This is because, in present marketplace there is an intense level of competition between every

individuals in terms of knowledge or information which may challenge Arcadia's workforce to
execute impressive performance. Along with this, one of the primal advantage which
implication of hard approach render is that it is constant in nature and it can be applicable in any
type of business environment and working condition (Darcy and et.al, 2014). ON the contrary,
for enriching the area of soft skill Arcadia Group makes an attempt to organise various team
management activities, group discussion, taking part in presentations and many more. Due to the
application of such action, Arcadia manpower can improve their interpersonal skills which
covers problem solving, communication, creativity, decision making, confidence, agility in an
improved and productive style (Smith, 2014).
Henceforth, in order to acquire competitive position in current marketplace then Arcadia
should give importance to both approaches of HRM that is hard and soft in a equal proportion.
This is because, an establishment cannot accomplish their goal only obtaining technical
knowledge but at the same time management, transparent communication, better coordination is
needed among team members.. With the help of this, Arcadia's workforce can easily obtain profit
maximisation and also can perform their task with proper cooperation and collaboration.
Moreover, the another advantage which Arcadia achieve due to adoption of hard and soft
approach is that management can generate healthy and positive working culture and that will
empower personnel to put their best contribution towards an accomplishment of company's goal
or objective inn a desired time frame. Furthermore, firm's superior can obtain innovative and
novel ideas in a easy manner along with this Arcadia manager can adopt any sort of modification
or alteration as per the market trend or competition without any hindrances (Dawson and
Andriopoulos, 2014). Therefore, utilisation of hard and soft concept help Arcadia to reach its
goal in an trenchant and prompt manner with less conflicts or obstacles and also aid them to gain
competitive advantage in a stipulated time limit.
Example of organisation using Hard approach
Hard approach or skill is viewed as those concept in which it states that it is a work
related skill that are specific, clearly defined and measurable. Along with this, it is acquired or
learned through training or curriculum, online coaching and courses. Furthermore, hard skill is
contrast from for approach as it quantifiable and convenient to measure among working culture.
As earlier discussed that Arcadia company make an utilisation of both concepts into its
functional unit that lead them to obtain maximisation of profit in a desired time duration.

Moreover, firm makes an effort to hire or recruit employees with hard skill which aid Arcadia to
enhance productivity ratio, lower turnover rates and enrich personnel satisfaction. IN addition to
this, hard skill is different from industry to industry as each establishment demand unique set of
skills or potentiality for completing the assigned task in a better manner. Some of the examples
of hard skills which Arcadia seeks in its manpower so that they can carry out the particular task
in a efficacious style. Some of it are discussed below:
Computer technology: This element is considered as one of the integral part because in
today's marketplace each and every business activities take place through digital technologies
which completely removed the usage of manual work. Therefore, in relation to Acadia it operate
its function in a globalisation level for which they need an individual who are highly skilled or
expertises in technical ground. Due to which, firm can obtain its purpose in an amended manner
within a competing industry (DelCampo, Haggerty and Knippel, 2017).
Hard communication skill: This criteria is also included in soft skill as it signifies that
exchanging information or data, ideas in a clear and confidence level so that there will less
possibility of arising disputes, misunderstanding, misconception form manpower in a better
mode. In hard approach, it is relate with fluency in two or more foreign languages which help
Arcadia firm to widen their scope of network connection and also can develop a healthy
relationship with internal and external customer or client in an improved style (Isaksson, Garvare
and Johnson, 2015).
Data analysis: This skill is regraded as most crucial approach in each and every industry
as it benefit organisation to gain in depth understanding of particular area and also motive them
to take corrective course of action for enlarging the market share or size in an amened way.
Therefore, adoption of this ability enable establishment to provide effective and innovative
information or conclusion to company in order to place the brand in a competitive position.
Network security: This concept help establishment to keep their data safe for longer
period of time. Therefore, to function network security IT professionals are required who are
well trained and aware about all aspects of technology and cyber security (Hard Skills –
Definition, Importance & Examples, 2019).
Marketing: As the world move towards globalisation or emerging market trend, it
impose intense level of threat as well as enormous opportunities over Arcadia. With the help of

this, organisation can reach to a large number of population which will benefit firm in enhancing
its profit margin ratio as well as productivity rate in an improved manner.
Mobile and web development: IN this digitalised and modern world, usage of technology
plays an essential role as it enable organisation to capture the wide range of population towards
the brand in a improved manner. In regard of Arcadia, for enhancing the productivity of firm and
also to reach large pool of customers it takes an initiative in developing different application and
websites for improving the overall performance of company in an amended way. Thus, in such
case, company needs those workforce who are able to create and manage mobile apps and
websites and can benefit Arcadia by enlarging its profit margin ratio (Jabbour and Renwick,
2018).
Design: AS this aspect is mainly concern with soft skill but being adept in digital and
advanced technology it is considered as very important hard skill. Therefore, in context of
Arcadia, adoption of this approach help them to attract enormous new customers and also can
retain its existing consumers towards the brand for longer duration. IN addition to this, it aid
Arcadia to fulfil its targeted customers standard in an innovative and creative style in a stipulated
time limit.
However, there are several other field which proves or states that implication of hard skill
plays a crucial role within an Arcadia business operation as it assist them to cope up with all type
of existing and upcoming competition of industry in a improved way. Additionally, making use
of all available hard approaches lead Arcadia to acquire best position within competing industry
and also can gain competitive advantage among competitors in an improved or amended manner.
Example of an organisation implying Soft approach
Soft skill or approach relate to those aspect which an individual can acquire or adopt
through the way they relate, interact and work with others in order to achieve business vision in a
productive and efficient mode (Maravelias and Holmqvist, 2016). Along with this, it is more
specific or peculiar to any job rather it is valued by employers or organisation irrespective of any
field they operate task. Apart form this, soft approach plays a vital role in interviewing, resume
writing, finding success in employment ground. It is often transferable across careers and
industries because in most of the firm it specially highlights soft skill criteria that may help
individuals to acquire best position and also can impress their employer in a better manner.
Therefore, it has been identified that soft approach also plays a important phase in current

marketplace as it assist them to obtain sustainable profitability ratio. Moreover, in compare to
hard approach soft skill are easy to learn or measure as it is potentiality and traits of each
personnel in achieving the task in a better manner. It can improve and enhanced through
experience and connection with different people which lead Arcadia to manage its entire
business process very efficaciously and expeditiously. However, Arcadia gives equal importance
to hard and soft skills that enable them to improve its overall performance and its brand image
among competitors. Some of the examples for soft approach which Arcadia's HRM expect or
demand form its employees are as follows:
Communication: This ability is relate with those aspects in which it signifies that a
potentiality of an individual in exchanging information or data, ideas, thoughts with an aim of
acquire amended level of satisfaction. Moreover, it plays a essential role in Arcadia company as
it empower its manpower to reduce the possibility of confusions, dispute, misunderstanding
among team members and can easily build a healthy working culture without nay obstacle
(Maravelias and Holmqvist, 2016).
Time management: In this competitive world, adhering to time has a significant role as it
enable them to enhance their brand value as well as can accomplish the task in a desired period
of time. IN relation to Arcadia, its manager encourage its personnel to keep up with time so that
they can render increased degree of satisfaction to their clients and also can achieve competitive
position within marketplace as business environment is dynamic in nature which keeps on
changes according customer taste and preferences (Soft Skills: Definitions and Examples, 2019).
Creativity: This aspect is combination of both soft and technical skill which lead an
establishment to gain competitive advantage in a prescribed time duration. However, Arcadia
makes an attempt to encourage its workforce to share their views, opinions, thoughts that enable
superior to obtain diverse or novel views related to any particular area. Some of the skill which is
required for soft approaches are curiosity, learning from others, open mind, taking calculated risk
and so on. With the adoption of soft skill, Arcadia company can enhance their profitability ratio
in a efficacious manner (Mutiso and Kilika, 2017).
Adaptability: AS per the scenario of existing industry, flexibility or adaptability is
regraded as an important element as it aid an establishment to survive in an competitive business
environment in an innovative and impressive style. Therefore, application of such approach lead

Arcadia to acquire any kind of modification or alteration in a easily manner in order to gain
competitive advantage among competitors.
Work ethic: This aspect is concern with those in which it involves following all policies,
rules, regulations as well as maintaining firm's code of conduct in a timely band quality manner.
This is because, it help establishment to build a positive relationship between superior and
subordinate and can accomplish the goal in a effective way. Henceforth, adoption of work ethic
empower Arcadia to impose collaboration, cooperation, coordination among workforce that
assist enterprise to improve their overall performance (Paillé, Chen, Boiral and Jin, 2014).
Interpersonal skill: It is a very broad aspect as it comprises capability to build and
manage strong relationship, enhancing rapport, respecting regrading others views or ideas and so
on. However, Arcadia can gain benefit with this attribute as they motivate them to provide equal
opportunity towards every employees that enrich company's brand value and proficiency ratio in
a better manner.
Decision making: It signifies that an potentiality of a manpower to impose a fair decision
in order to create best working environment as well as enable them to gain improved level of
employee engagement and motivation towards establishment. However, Arcadia make as
initiative in developing this skill among its workforce by motivating them to identify exact issue
and based on that they implement best decision in a fair manner.
Henceforth, acquiring soft approach within functional unit help Arcadia to accomplish its
objective in a prescribed time limit and also can build a positive working environment in an
organisation (Parhizgar and Rahmany, 2014).
CONCLUSION
It has been summarised from the above mentioned report that managing human resource
plays a vital role in an establishment as it help them to build a healthy relationship among
different departments. However, every job profile demands different kinds of balance between
hard and soft skill. Along with this, firm's can examine the requirements of industry and based
on that implement best strategic decision which lead them to attain sustainable growth and
profitability. Additionally, soft and hard approaches are equally important for company because
each of them interconnected with each other which strengthen a personnel to perform their task
in an innovative and productive style. Furthermore, hard skill assist manpower to execute or

carry out the particular task in a better way whereas soft approach empower personnel to
maintain long lasting relationship as well as healthy working condition among team members.

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Online
Soft Skills: Definitions and Examples, 2019.[Online].Available Through.
<https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/soft-skills>

Hard Skills – Definition, Importance & Examples, 2019.[Online].Available Through.
<https://www.feedough.com/hard-skills-definition-importance-examples/>